JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. -- We may be in the “Dog Days of Summer,” but that old saying rings especially true for several South Johnston High School students.

  • Some South Johnston High School are working toward becoming veterinary assistants.
  • Students run an on-campus pet salon for staff members.
  • Prices start at $15.  

They're taking their first steps towards becoming veterinarians with a rigorous certification program.

Throughout the summer, students have been keeping the on-campus pet salon up and running.

They're working towards a 300 hour certification program to become a level-one veterinary assistant.

“The ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. That’s why I'm here. The experience is great and it gives me a better idea of what becoming a vet is going to be like. I transferred to South Johnston from another school district so I could graduate as a veterinary assistant,” said Ashton Allen, a junior at South Johnston High School.

Teachers say it gives students hands-on experience needed before entering the working world.

“It can be very difficult placing an untrained student in veterinary clinic and allow them to be successful,” said Candace Parker, who oversees the program. “Therefore, as an experienced veterinary assistant, I saw the need to train our students in the basics of animal care prior to releasing them into their internships. This not only allows the student to have more confidence going into the experience, but local clinics are also more willing to sign up as cooperating sites in our program.”

Parker said the salon program and subsequent internships have led to an over 75 percent hiring rate for students once they finish their internships.

During the school year, the salon operates on Wednesdays as a simulated business with students in complete control.

Staff members drop off their pets in the morning to be groomed and then pick them up at the end of the school day.

Prices start at $15.